The Dallas Cowboys have another preseason game done and are that much closer to the start of the regular season. With star players sitting out, it gives younger players and those trying to make the team a chance to show what they can do on the field.
Through two preseason games, one rookie signal caller is not only making a case to make the roster, but to be the backup between Dak Prescott.
Photo via Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Meet Cooper Rush
Rush is an undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan who passed for nearly 13,000 yards and threw 90 touchdowns for the Chippewas during his four-year career. The rookie showed flashes in the Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals and head coach Jason Garrett was impressed with how “poised and composed” he was during that game.
But on a night where the Cowboys offense struggled, Rush’s performance stood out. Kellen Moore struggled mightily, finishing 8 for 17 for just 69 yards. Newly acquired Luke McCown also didn’t blow away with his numbers either. In fairness, he’s only been with Dallas a short time.
But Rush showed the potential he has as an NFL quarterback, finishing 9 for 11 for 104 yards and a touchdown strike to former Baylor basketball player Rico Gathers; who has stood out in his own right this preseason.
This @rush_cooper TD pass was absolutely PERFECT…
Wow. #DALvsLAR https://t.co/jMaWGLBm9K
— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2017
Coincidentally, it was Dak Prescott’s performance a year ago against the same Rams team in the preseason that put the former Mississippi State quarterback in the national spotlight. The rest,as they say, is history.
That said, Kellen Moore is still the next in line to backup Prescott should anything happen and the coaches do like what he brings to the team. However, indications are that Rush is garnering a closer look by the Dallas coaching staff.
Don't sleep on Cooper Rush. The Cowboys like him a lot and he is showing you why the last two weeks https://t.co/rTsq7o5HxS
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 13, 2017
Obviously, there is a lot to be determined and preseason games aren’t the end-all be-all that goes into determining the final roster decision. The Cowboys are in a much different spot going into last year. But if Rush continues to impress like he has over the first two games, there’s a chance that the rookie from Central Michigan could be the next man up should anything happen to Prescott.
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